Server device, method and program

Abstract

To provide a server device, a method, and a program which effectively deliver or distribute promotion information to consumers based on consumer behaviors according to the distribution or delivery of the promotion information to consumers for promoting the utilization of goods and so on.SOLUTION: A system includes consumer terminal devices 100 connected to each other via a communication network, a server device 200, and a business operator device 300. The server device is provided to consumers, generates first promotion information to promote consumer behavior related to at least one provision of the goods and service by the business operator, receives behavior information indicating the behavior related to at least one provision of the good and service performed by the consumers based on the first promotion information received by the consumers, and analyzes second promotion information to promote the consumer behavior related to at least one provision of the goods and service by the business operator or the other business operator different from the business operator by a trained analytic model obtained on the basis of the first promotion information and the behavior information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, method, and program suitable for delivering or distributing promotional information provided to consumers to encourage consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, a widely used advertising method involves distributing advertising media containing promotional information, such as advertisements, to consumers' mailboxes at their homes to encourage them to use products offered by businesses. This type of advertising method is also known as posting. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of posting advertising media to a group of consumers who are likely to use the products advertised in the advertising media. However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not allow for more effective distribution of promotional information to consumers in the future based on the effects achieved by distributing promotional information to consumers in the past. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-000822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present embodiment has been made in light of the above-mentioned background, and aims to make it possible to analyze new promotion information based on promotion information for promoting the use of past products, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a server device according to an embodiment is a server device including at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: generate first promotional information to be provided to a consumer and to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business; receive behavioral information indicating the behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer; and perform processing to analyze second promotional information to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business or another business different from the business using a trained analysis model obtained based on the first promotional information and the behavioral information.

[0006] In addition, a method according to an embodiment is a method carried out by at least one processor executing predetermined instructions in a computer including the at least one processor, and includes the steps of generating first promotional information to be provided to a consumer and promoting the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business operator, receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer, and analyzing second promotional information to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business operator or another business operator different from the business operator using a trained analysis model obtained based on the first promotional information and the behavioral information.

[0007] In addition, the program according to the embodiment causes a computer to function as a processor configured to execute processing to generate first promotional information to be provided to a consumer and to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business operator, receive behavioral information indicating the behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer, and analyze second promotional information to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business operator or another business operator different from the business operator using a trained analysis model obtained based on the first promotional information and the behavioral information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the server device, method, and program of the embodiment, new promotion information can be analyzed based on promotion information for promoting the use of past products, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the consumer terminal device 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 200 and the business device 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a first diagram showing information stored in memory 213 of server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a second diagram showing information stored in memory 213 of server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a first communication sequence diagram showing the communication process performed among the consumer terminal device 100, the consumer terminal device 100 and the server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B is a second communication sequence diagram showing the communication process performed among the consumer terminal device 100, the consumer terminal device 100 and the server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a third communication sequence diagram showing the communication process performed among the consumer terminal device 100, the consumer terminal device 100 and the server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a diagram illustrating the details of the process of S22 shown in FIG. 5C. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a first flowchart showing the processing of the server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an advertising medium to which a recording medium is attached. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a second flowchart showing the processing of the server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the consumer terminal device 100 and used for downloading a business application program. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6E is a third flowchart showing the processing of server device 200 shown in FIGS. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a communication sequence diagram in a modified example in which a distributor distributes advertising media and also mediates transactions between businesses and consumers. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing the processing of server device 200 corresponding to the communication sequence shown in FIG. 7A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, substantially the same components, processes, and information are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. The number and types of components and data are shown as examples and may be increased, decreased, or changed as appropriate. The number and order of processes in devices and communications between devices are shown as examples and may be changed as appropriate.

[0011] For convenience of illustration, some names of components may be omitted from the drawings as appropriate. Components not related to the essential explanation of the invention may be omitted from the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, "business operator" and "consumer" may refer not only to a single natural person, but also to multiple natural persons, legal persons, organizations, companies, etc. Furthermore, m, n, and p are integers of 1 or greater, and p' is an integer of 0 or greater.

[0012] 1. System 1 Configuration The configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a consumer terminal device 100, a server device 200, and a business device 300, which are connected via a communication network 14 so as to be able to transmit and receive information and data to and from each other.

[0013] The consumer terminal device 100 is used by a consumer (user). The server device 200 is used by an advertising agency. The business device 300 is used by a business that sells products and / or provides services to consumers. The advertising agency delivers or distributes advertisements and the like to consumers that encourage them to purchase products and / or use services provided by the business.

[0014] In the following, "at least one of selling products provided by a business to consumers and allowing consumers to use services provided by a business" will be written as "a business performs business operations" etc. Also, "a consumer purchases products provided by a business and / or uses services provided by a business, or does either of these" etc. will be written as "a consumer uses the business's operations" etc.

[0015] Using these components, system 1 distributes information promoting consumer use of a business's services to consumers' consumer terminal devices 100 via communication network 14, and distributes media containing such information to consumers. Hereinafter, "information promoting consumer use of a business's services" will be referred to as "promotional information." System 1 also grants benefits to consumers who use a business's services. For example, this benefit could be a cashback, which refunds a portion of the product price to a consumer when the consumer purchases a product offered by the business. Alternatively, this benefit could be a discount on all or part of the price paid by the consumer to the business. Another example of this benefit is a point service, in which consumers grant points to businesses that can be used toward the use of the business's services. Another example of this benefit is a volume discount, which reduces the unit price the more a consumer uses the business's services. Another example of this benefit is an exemption from delivery fees for products from the business to the consumer.

[0016] System 1 enables at least one of a business operator and an advertiser to confirm that promotional information has actually been delivered or distributed to consumers. System 1 also enables the extent to which the delivery or distribution of promotional information to consumers has increased consumer use of the business operator's business, i.e., the effectiveness of the delivery or distribution of promotional information, to be confirmed. System 1 also generates a trained analysis model by machine learning attribute information, etc., of consumers to whom promotional information will be delivered or distributed, based on the behavior of consumers in response to past delivery or distribution of promotional information (first promotional information). Furthermore, System 1 analyzes and optimizes the delivery or distribution destination of the latest promotional information (second promotional information) based on this trained analysis model, thereby enabling the delivery or distribution of promotional information to be carried out more effectively.

[0017] The consumers to whom promotional information was previously delivered or distributed may be the same as or different from the consumers to whom the latest promotional information will be delivered or distributed.Furthermore, the business (provision of at least one of goods and services) whose use was promoted by promotional information in the past may be the same as or different from the business whose use is currently being promoted by promotional information.

[0018] "Businesses" refer to various industries, such as retailers, wholesalers, intermediaries, transportation companies, shipping companies, electric power companies, waterworks, telecommunications companies, airlines, shipping companies, fisheries, agriculture, real estate agents, advertising agencies, and network service providers. The "businesses" of these businesses encompass all products and services offered by these businesses. Methods for encouraging consumers to use their services include all consumer benefits, such as cashback, discounts on service usage fees, and point services, as well as reductions in fees, deferred payment, reductions in fees based on the number of times the service is used, and prizes awarded through lotteries. Promotional information is delivered to consumers through various methods, including voice communication, image distribution, video distribution, network distribution, cable broadcasting, and radio broadcasting. Promotional media containing promotional information is distributed through various means, such as posting, posters, billboards, and optical displays.

[0019] 2. Overview of advertising media distribution by System 1 As described above, in the system 1, promotional information can be distributed to the consumer terminal device 100 as electronic information or printed on various media such as paper and distributed. However, for the sake of specificity and clarity, hereinafter, a specific example will be a case in which promotional information is published on paper notification media. Note that such notification media are also commonly referred to as "flyers." Below, a specific example will be a case in which an advertising agency distributes notification media to consumers by posting them in accordance with a plan with a business. Below, a specific example will be a case in which consumers who use the business's services receive a cash back as a benefit. Below, "notification media" will be referred to as "advertising media." Below, "advertising agencies" that distribute advertising media to consumers by posting will be referred to as "distributors."

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, an overview of the distribution of advertising media to consumers by the system 1 will be described. A distributor, a business, or a third party other than these operates a portal site using a server device 200, a business device 300, or the like. A portal site is a predetermined website that is first displayed on the consumer terminal device 100 when a consumer accesses the communication network 14 to use the business's services. Note that the following will be a specific example in which the portal site is operated by a distributor using the server device 200. Therefore, all information received by the portal site is output to the server device 200, and all information sent by the portal site is input from the server device 200.

[0021] First, a business requests a distributor to distribute advertising media to consumers by posting them, and an advertising contract is concluded between the business and the distributor. This contract may be concluded using the server device 200 and the business device 300, or by the business and the distributor meeting in person. The contract also determines that promotional information will be distributed by advertising media. The contract also determines the attributes of consumers to whom the advertising media will be distributed, the location and time range of distribution, and whether a cash back benefit will be offered.

[0022] The contract also determines whether the distributor will act as an agent for the business to provide cashback. If the distributor acts as an agent for the business to provide cashback, the details of the cashback will also be determined. The details of the cashback include, for example, the percentage of the price to be returned to the consumer through the cashback and the amount of commission to be paid by the business to the distributor for acting as an agent for the cashback. The contract also determines whether the distributor will act as an agent for delivering the business's products to consumers.

[0023] The contract also stipulates that the fee paid by the business to the distributor for the distribution of advertising media will be calculated based on the actual results of the distribution of advertising media. The contract also stipulates that the distributor will analyze the attributes of consumers to whom advertising media will be distributed under the contract, as well as the location and time range of the distribution destination, based on the behavior of consumers in response to past distribution of advertising media, and decide whether to optimize these. The distributor's analysis and optimization of the attributes of consumers to whom advertising media will be distributed may or may not involve payment of a fee from the business to the distributor. Once a contract including these items is concluded, the business uses the business device 300 to generate information to be included in the promotion information table, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4A, and transmits it to the server device 200.

[0024] The distributor's server device 200 stores all of the information indicating the attributes of consumers to whom the advertising medium was distributed in postings made before the contract, as well as the locational and time ranges of those consumers. In addition, as will be described later with reference to Figure 4B, the server device 200 stores all of the information indicating the effects, such as whether or not each consumer to whom the advertising medium was distributed in postings made before the contract accessed the portal site.

[0025] The server device 200 performs machine learning on this information. As a result of this machine learning, the server device 200 generates a trained analysis model. This trained analysis model is used to determine the attributes of consumers and the location and time range in which advertising media should be distributed in order to maximize consumer use of the service. When a contract is concluded between the distributor and the business operator to optimize the attributes of consumers to whom the advertising media will be distributed, the server device 200 analyzes the attributes of consumers to whom the advertising media generated by the business will be distributed, and the location and time range of the distribution destination of the advertising media, based on the generated trained analysis model.

[0026] As a result of this analysis, the server device 200 optimizes the attributes and locational and temporal ranges of consumers who are optimal recipients of the advertising media. The server device 200 transmits the analyzed attributes, etc. of the consumers who are recipients of the optimized advertising media to the business operator device 300, and the distributor obtains the business operator's approval for the attributes, etc. of the consumers who will be recipients of the optimized advertising media. Once the distributor obtains the business operator's approval, the distributor distributes the advertising media to consumers who have the attributes indicated by the optimization information, within the locational and temporal ranges indicated by the optimization information.

[0027] Such promotional information is published on paper advertising media. Furthermore, a recording medium such as a two-dimensional code containing information necessary for consumers to receive cashback from businesses may be attached to the advertising media. The information recorded on the recording medium indicates, for example, the URL of the website consumers must access to receive cashback and information identifying the advertising media. The information recorded on the recording medium is transmitted from the server device 200 to the business device 300, and the business produces advertising media with the recording medium containing this information, in quantities of at least p in accordance with the contract. The business then delivers the produced advertising media to a distributor for distribution.

[0028] A business operator provides a cashback to a consumer when the consumer's behavior satisfies certain conditions. These conditions include, for example, the consumer using the business operator's services. The consumer's use of the business operator's services may or may not involve payment of a fee from the consumer to the business operator. These conditions also include, for example, using the consumer terminal device 100 to read a URL and information identifying the advertising medium from a recording medium attached to the advertising medium and accessing the business operator's website indicated by the URL.

[0029] Furthermore, this predetermined condition may include, for example, a consumer accessing the website of a business or distributor downloading and installing an application program for using the business's services onto the consumer terminal device 100. In this case, the consumer downloads the application program for using the business's services from the website of the business or distributor, and the URL of this website can be read from a recording medium attached to the advertising medium. Note that, hereinafter, "application program for using the business's services" will be referred to as "business application program." Such application programs are generally abbreviated as "apps."

[0030] Furthermore, this predetermined condition may include, for example, the consumer launching a business application program installed on the consumer terminal device 100 and registering personal information, etc., on the business's website. This predetermined condition may also include, for example, the consumer uploading predetermined information to the business's website using the consumer terminal device 100. This predetermined information may include information showing evidence of the consumer's use of the business's services, such as an image of a receipt photographed by the consumer using the consumer terminal device 100, and information identifying the advertising medium, etc., read from a recording medium attached to the advertising medium. Note that the distributor may provide a cashback to the consumer on behalf of the business. In this case, the consumer simply uses the consumer terminal device 100 to access a portal site operated by the distributor using the server device 200.

[0031] The fact that a consumer has uploaded an image of a receipt or other data along with information identifying the advertising medium indicates that the advertising medium has been distributed to that consumer. This also indicates that the consumer has read the URL or other data identifying the advertising medium from the recording medium attached to the distributed advertising medium and used the business operator's services. Furthermore, the percentage of consumers who access the portal site or receive cash back from the business operator out of the number p of distributed advertising media can be estimated statistically or empirically by distributors, etc.

[0032] Based on the number of advertising media p specified in the contract and the above-mentioned ratio, the distributor can reliably prove to the business operator the number of advertising media p' actually distributed to consumers. Similarly, the distributor can also prove to the business operator the effectiveness of distributing the advertising media. Therefore, based on the actual distribution of the advertising media and its effectiveness, and in accordance with the contents of the contract, the distributor can calculate the amount of compensation to be charged to the business operator for distributing the advertising media, invoice the business operator, and receive payment.

[0033] Furthermore, distributors can accumulate information used in past advertisement distribution and information indicating consumer responses to past advertisement distribution. By performing machine learning on the accumulated information used in distribution using information indicating consumer responses, distributors can obtain a trained analysis model for analyzing and optimizing the information used in the latest advertisement distribution. By using such a trained analysis model to analyze and optimize information on consumers and other recipients of advertising media created by a business operator intending to distribute advertising media, distributors can provide the business operator with information on consumers and other recipients of better advertising media, contributing to the development of the business operator's business.

[0034] While the above description has been given of a case in which paper advertising media are distributed as promotional information, such promotional information is not limited to paper advertising media. For example, coupon information can be distributed (delivered) as promotional information by reading a two-dimensional code attached to the advertising media and accessing a predetermined portal site. In this case, by performing machine learning using information indicating consumer reactions to the results of distributing the coupon information, distributors can obtain a trained analysis model for optimizing the distribution conditions and recipients of the coupon information. By using such a trained analysis model to analyze and optimize information on consumers and other individuals who will be the recipients of the coupon information created by a business that intends to distribute coupon information, the distributor can be provided with information on consumers and other individuals who will be better recipients, contributing to the development of the business's business.

[0035] 3. Configuration of the consumer terminal device 100 The configuration of the consumer terminal device 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the consumer terminal device 100 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the consumer terminal device 100 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 2, and some of the components of the consumer terminal device 100 may be omitted. Furthermore, components other than those shown in Fig. 2 may be added to the consumer terminal device 100.

[0036] The consumer terminal device 100 is a device that can communicate with other devices in the system 1 and execute the processes necessary for distributing advertising media by the above-described system 1. The consumer terminal device 100 may be a mobile terminal device capable of wireless communication such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

[0037] It should be noted that the system 1 may include multiple consumer terminal devices 100, but these do not all need to be the same or of the same type, and the system 1 may include consumer terminal devices 100 that are different from one another or of different types. In this case, for example, one consumer's consumer terminal device 100 may be a smartphone, and another consumer terminal device 100 may be a desktop PC.

[0038] 2, the consumer terminal device 100 includes a display 111, a processor 112, a memory 113, a communication interface (communication IF) 114, and an input interface (input IF) 116. These components of the consumer terminal device 100 are electrically connected via a bus and control lines (not shown) to transmit and receive data and information to and from each other.

[0039] The display 111 includes a speaker (not shown) and functions as an output device that displays images input from the memory 113 and outputs sound. The display 111 may be disposed outside the consumer terminal device 100 and connected via an output interface (not shown), or may be configured integrally with the consumer terminal device 100 and connected to the output interface.

[0040] The processor 112 is composed of one or more CPUs (microprocessors) and their peripheral circuits. Alternatively, the processor 112 is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs specialized for image processing, and their peripheral circuits. The processor 112 functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 113.

[0041] Specifically, the processor 112 reads from the memory 113 and executes an application program for executing processing for communication with other devices via the communication network 14. The memory 113 also reads from the memory 113 and executes an application program for executing processing performed by the consumer terminal device 100 in distributing advertising media by the above-mentioned system 1. The processor 112 also reads from the memory 113 and executes a business application program downloaded from the portal site as described above. The processor 112 also reads from the memory 113 and executes a program for running the OS.

[0042] The memory 113 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory (NVM), a HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Furthermore, a storage medium, a database, etc. that are detachable from the consumer terminal device 100 can be connected to the memory 113.

[0043] The ROM is a memory that can retain written data without power supply, but cannot write data from the processor 112. The ROM stores, as a program, predetermined instructions and commands for executing the application program and OS according to this embodiment.

[0044] RAM is memory that holds data only while power is supplied, and allows data to be written to and read from the processor 112. Non-volatile memory is memory that can hold written data even without power being supplied, and allows data to be written to and read from the processor 112.

[0045] Data required for a program stored in ROM can be written to and read from the RAM and nonvolatile memory while the program is being processed by the processor 112. As described above, data can also be written to and read from the RAM and nonvolatile memory in response to the execution of a business application program downloaded from a portal site.

[0046] Specifically, the memory 113 stores an application program for executing processing for communication with other nodes via the communication network 14. The memory 113 also stores an application program for executing processing performed by the consumer terminal device 100 in distributing advertising media by the above-described system 1. The processor 112 also stores a business application program downloaded from the portal site as described above. The processor 112 also stores a program for executing an OS.

[0047] The communication interface 114 includes a communication processing circuit 115 and an antenna. The communication interface 114 connects the communication network 14 and the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication processing circuit 115 and the antenna, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other devices connected to the communication network 14.

[0048] Specifically, the communication interface 114 communicates with the portal site, receives the business application program, and registers consumer information. The communication interface 114 also transmits and receives information and data required for processing by the consumer terminal device 100 in distributing advertising media by the system 1 to and from other devices.

[0049] The communication processing circuit 115 of the communication interface 114 performs communication processing for communicating information between the communication network 14 and the consumer terminal device 100 via an antenna using a wideband wireless communication method or a narrowband wireless communication method. The wideband wireless communication method is, for example, the LTE method. The narrowband wireless communication method is, for example, IEEE802.11 and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that the communication processing circuit 115 may perform processing for communication using a wired communication method instead of or in addition to the wireless communication method.

[0050] The input interface 116 is connected to input devices such as a touch panel 117 and a camera 118 via wired or wireless communication, and functions as an input unit that accepts user operations and inputs of various information. Examples of the input interface 116 include devices that comply with various standards, such as a serial port, a parallel port, and a USB.

[0051] Furthermore, when the input interface 116 connects to the touch panel 117 or the like via a wireless communication method (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark)), the input interface 116 can execute the processing of the communication interface 114. In this case, conversely, the communication interface 114 can execute the processing of the input interface 116.

[0052] The touch panel 117 is disposed, for example, so as to cover the screen of the display 111. The touch panel 117 detects a swipe operation or a tap operation by the user on an icon or the like displayed on the display 111, and outputs the detected operation to the processor 112.

[0053] The camera 118 captures an image of an object outside the consumer terminal device 100 in response to, for example, a consumer operation received via the touch panel 117. The camera 118 is used in the system 1, in particular, to capture an image of a recording medium attached to an advertising medium and identify the URL and promotion identification information W (FIG. 4A).

[0054] The consumer terminal device 100, the touch panel 117, and the camera 118 may be configured as an integrated unit or may be configured separately. When the consumer terminal device 100, the touch panel 117, and the camera 118 are not configured as an integrated unit but are configured separately, they are connected by a wireless communication method or a wired communication method.

[0055] 4. Configuration of the Server Device 200 and the Provider Device 300 The configurations of the server device 200 and the business operator device 300 shown in Fig. 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configurations of the server device 200 and the business operator device 300 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the server device 200 is a PC server or a large computer.

[0056] There is no essential difference in configuration between the server device 200 and the business provider device 300. For example, if an application program for the server device 200 is installed in the business provider device 300 and executed, the business provider device 300 will realize the functions of the server device 200. Conversely, if an application program for the business provider device 300 is installed in the server device 200 and executed, the server device 200 will realize the functions of the business provider device 300.

[0057] 3, the server device 200 and the business provider device 300 include an output interface 211, a processor 212, a memory 213, and a communication interface 214, similar to the consumer terminal device 100 shown in Fig. 2. These components of the server device 200 and the business provider device 300 are electrically connected via a bus and control lines (not shown) to transmit and receive data and information to and from each other.

[0058] It should be noted that the server device 200 and the business operator device 300 do not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 3, and some of the components may be omitted. Furthermore, the server device 200 and the business operator device 300 may be provided with components other than those shown in Fig. 3, such as a display 111, an input interface, and an input device. The memory 213 and the processor 212 of the server device 200 and the business operator device 300 may be integrated into one computer or distributed across multiple computers.

[0059] The output interface 211 connects output devices such as a speaker (not shown) and a display 111 to the server apparatus 200 and the business operator apparatus 300. These output devices may be arranged outside the server apparatus 200 and the business operator apparatus 300 and connected via the output interface 211, or may be configured integrally with the server apparatus 200 and the business operator apparatus 300 and connected to the output interface 211.

[0060] The processor 212 may be composed of one or more CPUs (microprocessors) and their peripheral circuits. Alternatively, the processor 212 may be composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs specialized for image processing, and their peripheral circuits. The processor 212 functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 213.

[0061] Specifically, the processor 212 of the server device 200 and the provider device 300 reads from the memory 213 and executes an application program for executing processing for communication with other devices via the communication network 14. The processor 212 also reads from the memory 213 and executes a program for running the OS.

[0062] In particular, in the embodiment, the processor 212 of the server device 200 reads from the memory 213 and executes an application program including predetermined instructions for generating first promotional information to be provided to consumers and for promoting consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business. The processor 212 of the server device 200 also reads from the memory 213 and executes an application program including predetermined instructions for receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer. The processor 212 of the server device 200 also reads from the memory 213 and executes an application program including predetermined instructions for analyzing second promotional information to promote consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business or a business other than the business, using a trained analysis model obtained based on the first promotional information and the behavioral information.

[0063] The memory 213 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory (NVM), a HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Furthermore, a storage medium, a database, etc. that are detachable from the consumer terminal device 100 can be connected to the memory 213.

[0064] The ROM is a memory that can retain written data without power supply, but cannot write data from the processor 212. The ROM stores, as a program, predetermined instructions and commands for executing the application program and OS according to this embodiment.

[0065] RAM is memory that holds data only while power is supplied, and allows data to be written to and read from the processor 212. Non-volatile memory is memory that can hold written data even without power being supplied, and allows data to be written to and read from the processor 212.

[0066] Data required for a program stored in ROM can be written to and read from the RAM and nonvolatile memory while the program is being processed by the processor 212. As described above, data can also be written to and read from the RAM and nonvolatile memory in response to the execution of a business application program downloaded from a portal site.

[0067] Specifically, the memory 213 stores an application program for executing processing for communications between the server device 200 and the provider device 300 and other nodes via the communication network 14. The memory 213 also stores a business application program for executing processing performed by the server device 200 and the provider device 300 in distributing advertising media by the above-described system 1. The processor 212 also stores a program for executing an OS.

[0068] In particular, in the embodiment, the memory 213 of the server device 200 stores an application program including predetermined instructions for generating first promotional information to be provided to consumers and for promoting consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by a business. The memory 213 of the server device 200 also stores an application program including predetermined instructions for receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services performed by a consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer. The memory 213 of the server device 200 also stores an application program including predetermined instructions for analyzing second promotional information to promote consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business or a business other than the business, using a trained analysis model obtained based on the first promotional information and the behavioral information.

[0069] The communication interface 214 of the server device 200 and the provider device 300 includes a communication processing circuit 115 and an antenna (not shown), similar to the communication interface 114 of the consumer terminal device 100. The communication interface 214 connects the communication network 14 to the server device 200 and the provider device 300 via the communication processing circuit 115 and the antenna, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other devices connected to the communication network 14.

[0070] Specifically, the communication interfaces 214 of the server device 200 and the business entity device 300 transmit and receive information to and from the portal site described above. The communication interfaces 214 of the server device 200 and the business entity device 300 also transmit and receive information and data required for processing by the server device 200 and the business entity device 300 in distributing advertising media by the system 1 to and from other devices.

[0071] 5. Information stored in the memory 213 of the server device 200 The information stored in memory 213 of server device 200 shown in Figures 1 and 3 will be described below. Figure 4A shows a promotion information table used to manage promotion information. Figure 4B shows a consumer table used to manage consumers.

[0072] 4A, the promotion information table includes information related to m promotion information. Each row of the promotion information table includes, in association with each other, promotion identification information W, condition information A, promotion information B, provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, time information K, behavior summary information L, effect information M, and performance information N. Promotion information B includes, in association with each other, announcement information C, business operator attribute information D, announcement attribute information E, and coupon information F.

[0073] The consumer table shown in Figure 4B includes information related to n consumers. The n consumers include consumers to whom the latest advertising media will be distributed. As shown in Figure 4B, each row of the consumer table includes consumer (user) identification information U, attribute information P, and behavioral information O, all of which are associated with each other. The behavioral information O also includes access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V, all of which are associated with each other.

[0074] In the promotion information table, a new row is created and stored in memory 213 each time an advertising contract is concluded between a business and a distributor and an advertisement is aired. Even when an advertisement is aired under a new contract, previously added rows are not deleted unless there is a special reason. Therefore, information is added and stored in the promotion information table each time a new advertisement is aired.

[0075] Furthermore, in the consumer table (FIG. 4B), every time advertising media are distributed to a new consumer, a new row for the consumer that did not exist before the distribution is created and stored in memory 213. On the other hand, even if a row for a new consumer is added, rows that were previously added are not deleted from the consumer table unless a reason for deletion arises, such as the information becoming invalid due to the consumer moving, etc. Therefore, new information is added and accumulated in the consumer information table every time advertising media is distributed to a new consumer.

[0076] In each of the m rows of the promotion information table shown in Figure 4A, the promotion identification information W uniquely identifies the promotion information. In other words, the promotion identification information W uniquely identifies the information included in each of the m rows included in the promotion information table. Note that the promotion identification information W can be used as information to identify the advertising medium.

[0077] Condition information A indicates the conditions under which a consumer must satisfy before the business operator can grant a special benefit to the consumer. These conditions include, for example, the consumer reading the URL of a portal site operated by the server device 200 from a recording medium, such as a two-dimensional code attached to an advertising medium, using the consumer terminal device 100 and accessing the portal site. These conditions also include the consumer downloading a business application program from the portal site to the consumer terminal device 100, executing it, and registering the consumer's personal information. These conditions also include the consumer using the business operator's services using a coupon sent from the portal site to the consumer terminal device 100 along with promotion identification information W in response to this registration. In the following explanation, we will use a specific example in which the business operator grants a special benefit to a consumer when condition information A satisfies all of the conditions described in this section. However, the conditions indicated by condition information A may be changed as appropriate based on the business operator's policies, and the contract between the business operator and the distributor may also be changed. The promotion information table is also updated with the changed condition information A and stored in memory 213.

[0078] The promotion information B in the promotion information table is distributed to the consumer's consumer terminal device 100 as electronic data based on at least one of the provision method information G, target information H, distribution location information I, and time information K. Alternatively, the promotion information B is published on paper media or the like and distributed to the consumer's home or the like. The promotion information B is used to encourage consumers to use the business of the business operator.

[0079] As mentioned above, the notice information C included in the promotion information B indicates advertisements and the like used to promote the use of the business's services by consumers. In addition, the business attribute information D indicates the business that uses the promotion information B, and the business's attributes such as its type of business and size. In addition, the notice attribute information E indicates the attributes of the notice information C, such as the business whose use is promoted by the notice information C, the business that provides this business, and the fee paid by users for using this business.

[0080] As described above, the coupon information F indicates whether a coupon can be used to provide a benefit from a business to a consumer, and the details of the coupon if it is used. The coupon includes, for example, an image of the coupon and information indicating the percentage of the cashback value to be given to the consumer from the business. The coupon also includes reference information used to reference the corresponding notice information C, business attribute information D, and notice attribute information E. The server device 200, etc., can use this reference information to reference the notice information C, business attribute information D, and notice attribute information E corresponding to the coupon. Therefore, by processing the coupon, the server device 200, etc., can obtain information indicating the business whose use is promoted by the coupon, the business that provides this business, the price of the business, the details of the benefit, etc.

[0081] The provision method information G indicates the method and conditions for providing the announcement information C and coupon information F included in the promotion information B to consumers. For example, if the announcement information C included in the promotion information B is provided to consumers by publication on a paper medium, the provision method information G indicates the method and conditions for distributing the paper medium. Examples of methods for distributing paper medium include posting and distribution in stores or on the street. For example, if the promotion information B or the announcement information C included in the promotion information B is electronic information, the provision method information G indicates the method and conditions for distributing the announcement information C from the server device 200 or the like to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication network 14. Examples of electronic information distribution methods include a distribution method using a recording medium such as a two-dimensional code on which the URL of the website from which the electronic information is distributed and the promotion identification information W are recorded. Examples of electronic information distribution methods include a distribution method using a business application program downloaded and installed on the consumer terminal device 100. The distribution conditions indicate, for example, that the location and time range for distributing the paper medium containing the announcement information C is limited depending on the content of the announcement information C. The distribution conditions also indicate, for example, that the location and time range for distributing the announcement information C is limited depending on the content of the announcement information C.

[0082] Furthermore, if the coupon information F included in the promotion information B is information provided to consumers by distribution, the distribution method information G indicates the distribution method and conditions. The coupon information F can be distributed from a portal site by accessing the portal site URL recorded in the two-dimensional code, by installing a predetermined application program in advance and distributing the coupon information through the application program, by sending the coupon information to an email address registered with the consumer, or by entering a URL for a website where the coupon information can be obtained in the email address and distributing the coupon information by having the consumer access the URL. The conditions for distributing the coupon information F include access to a predetermined portal site, introducing the service provided by the business to other consumers, past usage of the service provided by the business (e.g., points earned), the day of the week, date (e.g., birthday, birth month, etc.), and time of access. Although not described in detail, the coupon information F may also be further limited to its recipients by target information H, distribution destination information I, and time information K, as with the announcement information C.

[0083] The target information H indicates the attributes of consumers who are suitable as recipients or recipients of the announcement information C included in the promotion information B. Note that these attributes correspond to the attribute information P included in the consumer table (FIG. 4B). The destination location information I indicates the geographical range to which the announcement information C is to be delivered or distributed, for example, by attributes such as city center, suburbs, residential area, and building district, name on a map, longitude, latitude, etc.

[0084] The time information K indicates the time range for which the notice information C included in the promotion information B is delivered or distributed to consumers. For example, if the business is a supermarket and the notice information C is published in the supermarket's advertising media, the time information K indicates the day of the week and time period during which consumers select items to purchase at the supermarket. Also, for example, if the business is a clothing retailer and the notice information C promotes a bargain sale as a business, the time information K indicates a period when the seasons change, etc.

[0085] The behavioral aggregate information L includes at least one of the following information indicating the first to fourth ratios indicating the behavior of consumers in response to the distribution of advertising media, which is calculated by the server device 200 aggregating the behavioral information O included in the consumer table (FIG. 4B). For example, the first ratio indicates the number of consumers who accessed the portal site after receiving the advertising media relative to the number p of advertising media. The first ratio can be calculated by dividing the total number of access information R indicating that consumers who received the advertising media accessed the portal site by the number p of distributed advertising media. The second ratio indicates the ratio of the number of consumers who used the services of a business operator after receiving the advertising media relative to the number p of distributed advertising media. The second ratio can be calculated by dividing the total number of usage information S indicating that consumers who received the advertising media used the services of a business operator by the number p of distributed advertisements. The third ratio indicates the ratio of the number of consumers who uploaded images of receipts, etc. to the portal site relative to the number p of distributed advertising media. The third ratio can be calculated by dividing the total number of receipt information T, which indicates that consumers uploaded receipt images to a portal site after receiving advertising media, by the number p of distributed advertisements. The fourth ratio indicates the ratio of the number of consumers who used coupons to use the business's services relative to the number p of distributed advertising media. The fourth ratio can be calculated by dividing the total number of coupon usage information V, which indicates that consumers who received advertising media used coupons, by the number p of distributed advertisements.

[0086] The effectiveness information M indicates the effectiveness of the advertising media, for example, the total amount of consideration paid by consumers to whom the advertising media was distributed for using the business's services, relative to the number of advertising media distributed. The effectiveness information M is generated by the following first and second processes. In the first process, the server device 200 performs OCR processing on images of receipts, etc. included in the receipt information T included in the behavior information O, and reads the consideration paid by the consumer from each piece of receipt information T. In the second process, the server device 200 calculates the total amount of consideration paid by the consumer for using the business's services, divides it by the number p of advertising media distributed, and generates the effectiveness information M.

[0087] The performance information N indicates the ratio of the number of advertising media p' actually distributed to consumers to the number of advertising media p that were planned to be distributed. The ratio of consumers who access a portal site after receiving advertising media p can be estimated statistically or based on the distributor's experience. Therefore, the number of advertising media p' estimated to have actually been distributed to consumers can be calculated by dividing the total number of access information R included in the behavioral information O by this ratio. The performance information N is calculated by dividing the number of advertising media p' estimated to have actually been distributed to consumers by the number of advertising media p that were planned to be distributed. If the performance information N (= p' / p) is a value less than 1, the closer the performance information N is to 1, the more the distributor can claim to the business operator that it has honestly distributed advertising media to consumers. Alternatively, if the performance information N is a value greater than 1, the distributor can claim to the business operator that the distribution of advertising media has had a greater effect than expected.

[0088] As explained above, the target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K indicate the attributes, location, and time range of consumers who are suitable targets for promoting the use of the business by the announcement information C included in the promotion information B. However, as mentioned above, it may be decided in the advertising contract that the distributor will optimize the attributes of consumers who will be the recipients or distribution destinations. Note that the initial condition information A, provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K before optimization are generated and created by the business operator using the business operator device 300, for example, and transmitted to the server device 200 before the advertising medium is distributed.

[0089] In each of the n rows of the consumer table shown in Figure 4B, the consumer identification information U uniquely identifies the consumer to whom or who may be the recipient of the notification information C included in the promotion information B. In other words, the consumer identification information U uniquely identifies the information included in each of the n rows included in the consumer table. Note that the consumer identification information U identifies not only consumers who have been the recipients of advertising media in the past, but also consumers who will most recently be the recipients of advertising media.

[0090] As described above, the attribute information P corresponds to the target information H included in the promotion information table (FIG. 4A) and indicates attributes such as personal information of the consumer identified by the consumer identification information U. More specifically, the attribute information P indicates the consumer's attributes, such as name, address, age, gender, payment account, the consumer's past business usage history, the consumer's hobbies and preferences, etc. As described above, the server device 200, for example, launches a business application program downloaded to the consumer terminal device 100 and prompts the consumer to register personal information on the portal site. The attribute information P is generated from personal information collected through such registration, etc.

[0091] The behavioral information O includes access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V, which indicate the behavior of a consumer identified by consumer identification information U after receiving or receiving advertising media. Furthermore, the behavioral information O may include other information in addition to the access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V. The other information indicates, for example, whether the consumer has downloaded and installed a business application program on the consumer terminal device 100. Furthermore, the further information indicates, for example, whether the consumer has launched a business application program on the consumer terminal device 100 and registered personal information, etc., on the website of a business or distributor.

[0092] Among the information included in the behavioral information O, the access information R indicates whether a consumer who received the advertising medium accessed a specific website, such as the portal site described above. This specific website is identified, for example, by a URL included in the recording medium information read from the recording medium attached to the advertising medium using the consumer terminal device 100 by a consumer who received or received the notification information C (FIG. 4A) included in the promotion information B. The usage information S indicates whether the consumer identified by the consumer identification information U used the business operator's services promoted by the notification information C identified by the promotion identification information W. The receipt information T indicates information such as an image of a receipt issued in response to payment for the use of the business operator's services, proving that the consumer used the business operator's services and the amount of the payment. Alternatively, the receipt information T indicates information such as an image uploaded by the consumer to the server device 200 or the business operator device 300 along with the promotion identification information W. Coupon usage information V indicates whether or not the consumer has used a coupon that was distributed or given away by being attached to an advertising medium in which notice information C (FIG. 4A) was published.

[0093] 6.Communication Sequence Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 5A to 5C, a communication sequence between the consumer terminal device 100, the server device 200, and the provider device 300 in the system 1 will be described. Figures 5A to 5C are first to third communication sequence diagrams showing communication processing performed between the consumer terminal device 100, the server device 200, and the provider device 300 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Note that the communication sequence shown in Figure 5A takes as a specific example a case where, as described above with reference to Figure 1, a paper advertising medium on which notice information C of promotion information B is posted and to which a recording medium is attached is distributed to consumers by posting. Also, a specific example takes as a case where the server device 200 functions as a web server and operates a provider's portal site and provides it to consumers.

[0094] Therefore, all information transmitted from the portal site to the consumer terminal device 100 is output from the server device 200. Furthermore, all information input to the portal site is input to the server device 200. Furthermore, as described above, the production of advertising media by businesses, the delivery of advertising media from businesses to distributors, and the distribution of advertising media to consumers by distributors include parts that must be done manually. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, the communication sequence and processing shown in FIG. 5A and other figures include manual work in addition to the processing and communication performed by the consumer terminal device 100 and the server device 200.

[0095] In S100 shown in FIG. 5A, a distributor using the server device 200 and a business using the business device 300 enter into a contract for the distribution of advertising media by posting a number p of advertising media determined between them. As described above, this contract may be made via the server device 200, the communication network 14, and the business device 300, or the business and the distributor may meet in person. In this contract, matters such as those described with reference to FIG. 1 are determined. In this explanation, a specific example is taken of a case in which the contract determines that the target information H, etc., will be optimized. The processor 212 of the business device 300 and the server device 200 stores contract information indicating this contract in memory 213.

[0096] In S102, the business operator inputs promotion information B (FIG. 4A) including notice information C indicating an advertisement to be placed in a paper advertising medium to the business operator device 300, for example, using a recording medium detachable from the memory 213. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 receives the promotion information B via the memory 213 and stores it in the memory 213. Furthermore, the processor 212 of the business operator device 300 reads the promotion information B from the memory 213 and transmits the received promotion information B to the server device 200 via the communication interface 214.

[0097] In S104, the processor 212 of the provider device 300 transmits the initial information other than the promotion information B included in each row of the promotion information table to the server device 200 via the communication interface 214. That is, as described above, the processor 212 transmits the initial condition information A, promotion identification information W, provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K to the server device 200 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives this initial information via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the server device 200 further updates the promotion information table with this initial information and stores it in the memory 213.

[0098] In S106, the processor 212 of the server device 200 analyzes the information received in the processing of S214 and stored in the memory 213 based on the trained analysis model, and optimizes this information. The trained analysis model is generated by the processor 212 of the consumer terminal device 100 learning the information contained in the promotion information table and the consumer table. The trained analysis model is generated by the processor 212 through machine learning based on the information contained in some or all of the accumulated promotion information table and consumer table, and is stored in the memory 213. The trained analysis model is used to generate provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K so as to generate behavioral information O indicating the consumer's greatest behavior after the distribution of advertising media and coupon information.

[0099] In S108, the processor 212 of the server device 200 transmits optimization information indicating the optimized provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K for the advertising medium and coupon information in the processing of S104 to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 receives the optimization information via the communication interface 214 and displays it on the display 11 to show to the business operator.

[0100] In S110, the business operator checks the optimization information displayed on the business operator device 300 and performs an operation for approval on an input interface (not shown) of the business operator device 300. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 accepts this operation.

[0101] In S112, the processor 212 of the business operator device 300 generates approval information indicating that the business operator has approved the content of the optimization information in accordance with the business operator's operation accepted in the processing of S110. The processor 212 transmits the generated approval information to the server device 200 via the communication interface 214.

[0102] In S114, the processor 212 of the business operator device 300 adds a new row to the promotion information table (FIG. 4A). Furthermore, the processor 212 generates information to be included in the new row, updates the promotion information table with the generated information, and stores the updated information in the memory 213.

[0103] In S116, the processor 212 of the server device 200 transmits information indicating the recording medium attached to the advertising medium or information recorded on the recording medium to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. This recording medium is, for example, an RFID tag from which the processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 can contactlessly read information, or the above-mentioned two-dimensional code. As described above, the recording medium information recorded on these recording media includes the URL of the above-mentioned portal site and promotion identification information W (FIG. 4A) used to identify the advertising medium.

[0104] In S118, the processor 212 of the business operator device 300 receives information indicating the recording medium from the server device 200 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 creates an image such as the two-dimensional code described above from the information indicating the recording medium. The business operator produces advertising media with the recording medium on which the information is recorded, in quantities equal to or greater than the number p determined in the contract.

[0105] In S120, the business delivers the advertising medium created in the process of S118 to the distribution business.

[0106] In S122, the distributor using the server device 200 performs processing to distribute advertising media to consumers in accordance with the contract made in the processing of S100. More specifically, the processor 212 of the server device 200 determines the method and conditions for providing the advertising media and coupon information based on the provision method information G included in the optimized promotion information table. Then, the processor 212 selects consumer identification information U corresponding to the attribute information P that matches the target information H (FIG. 4A) from the consumer table (FIG. 4B). Furthermore, the processor 212 selects distribution destination location information I and time information K corresponding to the selected consumer identification information U. Note that if the number p of selected distribution destination location information I and time information K becomes excessively large, the processor 212 selects a predetermined number of distribution destination location information I and time information K in descending order of the number of corresponding consumer identification information U. Through these processing steps, information such as a list of consumers to whom the recording medium will be distributed, which is necessary for distributing the advertising media, is generated.

[0107] In S124, based on the delivery method information G determined by the processor 212, one or more delivery personnel of the delivery company each distribute the advertising medium by posting to the homes, etc. of some or all of the consumers to whom the advertising medium created in the processing of S122 is to be distributed.

[0108] The process of S140 shown in FIG. 5B indicates that all of the information received by the portal site operated by the distributor using server device 200 is input to processor 212 of server device 200 and stored in memory 213, as described above. The process of S140 also indicates that all of the information transmitted by the portal site is output by processor 212 of server device 200, as described above. The processes of S142 to S148 indicate the processes from when a consumer accesses the portal site, to when the consumer registers personal information using a business application program, and receives the coupon indicated by coupon information F (FIG. 4A). Therefore, the process of S140 allows processor 212 of server device 200 to execute the processes of S142 to S148 without communicating with business entity device 300.

[0109] The processing of S180 to S184 indicates processing performed by the processor 212 of the server device 200 on behalf of a business operator to provide a cashback to a consumer who has used a coupon to use the business operator's services. The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives an image of a receipt uploaded from the consumer terminal device 100 via a portal site, along with promotion identification information W. By performing OCR processing or the like on the received receipt image, the processor 212 can identify the business operator, the service, and the price of the service from the receipt image. The processor 212 acquires the notification attribute information E, etc. included in the promotion information B corresponding to the promotion identification information W received together with the image from the consumer terminal device 100. The processor 212 further compares the business operator, the service, and the price indicated in the acquired notification attribute information E, etc. with the identified business operator, the service, and the price.

[0110] The processor 212 of the server device 200 determines whether or not these pieces of information match through this comparison. If these pieces of information match, the processor 212 can determine that the benefit given to the user via the portal site was given to the consumer who used the coupon transmitted to the consumer terminal device 100 via the portal site together with the promotion identification information W. Therefore, the processor 212 can grant the benefit to the consumer who used the coupon to use the business's services on behalf of the business. In other words, the processor 212 of the server device 200 can also execute the processes of S180 to S184 without receiving information about the use of the services from the business device 300.

[0111] The processing of S142 to S186 will be explained in more detail. In S142, a consumer who has received an advertising medium with an attached recording medium performs an operation on the consumer terminal device 100 to read recording medium information from the recording medium attached to the advertising medium. The processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 accepts the operation by the consumer via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. In response to the accepted operation, the processor 112 reads the recording medium information from the recording medium via the camera 118 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 uses the URL included in the recording medium information to access the portal site of the business operated by the server device 200 via the communication interface 114 and transmits the promotion identification information W (FIG. 4A). The processor 212 of the server device 200 detects access from the consumer terminal device 100 via the portal site and receives the promotion identification information W.

[0112] In S144, the processor 212 updates the access information R of the behavior information O in the consumer table (FIG. 4B) with information indicating that this access has been detected, and stores the information in the memory 213. Furthermore, the processor 212 transmits information including a UI image, etc., that requests the consumer to grant permission for downloading and installing the business application program corresponding to the promotion identification information W to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. The processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 receives this information via the communication interface 114. The processor 112 displays the UI image included in the received information on the display 111.

[0113] The consumer performs an operation on the UI image displayed on the display 111 to consent to the download and installation of the business application program. The processor 112 accepts this operation via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 transmits information indicating this operation to the portal site via the communication interface 114. The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives the information transmitted from the consumer terminal device 100 to the portal site via the communication interface 214.

[0114] The processor 212 of the server device 200 downloads the business application program to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. The processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 receives the downloaded business application program via the communication interface 114. The processor 112 executes the business application program and installs it in the consumer terminal device 100.

[0115] In S146, the processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 executes the business application program to display on the display 111 a UI image that prompts consumers to whom the advertising medium is distributed to input attribute information P ( FIG. 4B ). When the consumer performs an operation to input attribute information P on the displayed UI image, the processor 112 accepts this operation via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 transmits the attribute information P input by the consumer to the portal site via the communication interface 114.

[0116] The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives the attribute information P transmitted from the consumer terminal device 100 to the portal site via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 updates the consumer table (FIG. 4B) with the received attribute information P, stores it in the memory 213, and registers the attribute information P.

[0117] In S148, the processor 212 of the server device 200 refers to the promotion information table (FIG. 4A) and reads out the condition information A corresponding to the promotion identification information W. If the read out condition information A indicates that a benefit will be given to the consumer by the business operator by using the coupon indicated by the coupon information F, the processor 212 reads out the coupon information F from the promotion information B. Furthermore, the processor 212 transmits the coupon indicated by the read out coupon information F together with the promotion identification information W to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. That is, in this example, the method of providing the coupon information F is specified by the provision method information G as a method of delivering the coupon information F by accessing a portal site via a two-dimensional code.

[0118] Furthermore, the processor 212 updates the access information R included in the behavior information O in the consumer table (FIG. 4B) corresponding to the consumer who accessed the portal site with information indicating the access, and stores the updated information in the memory 213. The processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 receives the coupon and promotion identification information W from the server device 200 via the communication interface 114. Note that providing this coupon is merely an example. For example, after a consumer first uses the business operator's services by reading information from a recording medium attached to the distributed advertising medium, the consumer may then use the business operator's services using a business application program.

[0119] In S160, the consumer performs an operation on the consumer terminal device 100 to use the business's services using the coupon received in the processing of S146. For example, if the business is a retailer that sells products, this operation is an operation by the consumer to order and purchase the product from the business using the coupon. The consumer terminal device 100 accepts this operation via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 transmits information indicating this operation to the business device 300 via the communication interface 114. The processor 212 of the business device 300 receives this information via the communication interface 214.

[0120] In S162, the payment for the consumer's use of the business's services is settled via a financial institution (not shown) between the business device 300 and the consumer terminal device 100. For example, when a business sells a product in response to an order from a consumer, the payment for the product is made by the consumer to the business device through this payment.

[0121] In S164, the consumer uses the business's services. For example, when the consumer orders and purchases a product from the business, this use is executed by sending the product and a receipt for the purchase price from the business to the consumer. As described above, the processes of S160 to S186 can be executed without sending information from the business operator device 300 to the server device 200. However, as indicated by the dotted line in S166, information indicating the content of the consumer's use of the business operator's services may be sent from the business operator device 300 to the server device 200.

[0122] In S180, the consumer operates the consumer terminal device 100 to upload the image of the receipt received from the business in S164, along with the promotion identification information W, to the portal site. The processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 accepts this operation via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. In response to the accepted operation, the processor 112 photographs the receipt using the camera 118 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 uploads the image of the receipt obtained by photographing it, along with the promotion identification information W, to the portal site via the communication interface 114. The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives the image of the receipt and the promotion identification information W uploaded to the portal site via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 processes the image of the receipt and the promotion identification information W to determine the price paid by the consumer to the business. For example, if the consumer purchases a product from a business and pays for it, the price of the product can be determined from the image of the receipt.

[0123] In S182, the processor 212 of the server device 200 transmits the image of the receipt received in the processing of S180 and the coupon corresponding to this receipt to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 receives the image of the receipt and the coupon via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 processes the image of the receipt to determine the amount paid by the consumer to the business operator, and stores the amount in memory 213 in association with the coupon.

[0124] In S184, the server device 200 performs processing between the consumer terminal device 100 and the consumer to return the percentage of the consideration calculated in the processing of S140 indicated by the coupon to the consumer via a financial institution, etc. In other words, the processor 212 of the server device 200 performs processing to provide cashback on behalf of the business using the business device 300, in order to reduce the consideration paid by the consumer to the business.

[0125] In S186, settlement of the cashback agent transaction in the processing of S184 is carried out between the business using the business device 300 and the distributor using the server device 200. In other words, the business pays the amount of money that the distributor returned to the consumer in the processing of S144 to the distributor via a financial institution or the like.

[0126] The series of processes from S160 to S186 are associated with each other via the coupon and the promotion identification information W. Therefore, as described above, the distributor using the server device 200 and the business using the business device 300 can accurately understand which cashback the payment in the process of S186 relates to. FIG. 5B illustrates a case in which a coupon is transmitted to the consumer terminal device 100 on the condition that a business application program is downloaded to the consumer terminal device 100 and personal information is registered using the business application program. However, the coupon may be transmitted to the consumer terminal device 100 only on the condition that the consumer accesses a portal site using the consumer terminal device 100. Furthermore, if the condition information A indicates that a benefit will be provided to the consumer by the business using the business application program, the benefit may be provided when the consumer uses the business application program to utilize the business's services.

[0127] At S200 shown in Fig. 5C, the distribution period of the advertising medium ends. The processor 212 of the server device 200 processes the access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V contained in the behavior information O included in the consumer table (Fig. 4B) and corresponding to each consumer identification information U to whom the advertising medium was distributed. Through this processing, the processor 212 generates behavior summary information L, effect information M, and performance information N contained in the promotion information table (Fig. 4A).

[0128] The processor 212 updates the promotion information table (FIG. 4B) with the generated behavioral summary information L, effect information M, and performance information N, and stores the information in the memory 213. Furthermore, the processor 212 calculates the amount of compensation to be charged to the business operator who uses the business operator device 300, based on at least one of the behavioral summary information L, effect information M, and performance information N.

[0129] In S202, the processor 212 of the server device 200 transmits at least one or more of the generated behavioral aggregation information L, effect information M, and performance information N used to calculate the amount of compensation to the business using the business device 300. The processor 212 also requests the business using the business device 300 to pay the compensation calculated in the processing of S200. The transmission of one or more of the behavioral aggregation information L, effect information M, and performance information N to the business, and the request for payment of compensation for distribution of advertising media to the business are performed between the server device 200 and the business device 300 via the communication network 14. Alternatively, these may be performed by means of mail from the distributor using the server device 200 to the business.

[0130] In S204, a payment for the distribution of the advertising media is settled between the distributor using the server device 200 and the business using the business device 300 via a financial institution or the like, and the business pays this payment to the distributor. In other words, the payment for the advertising fee is settled between the distributor and the business.

[0131] In S206, the processor 212 of the server device 200 adds a new row to the consumer information table shown in Fig. 4B. The processor 212 further stores, in the newly added row, information indicating the consumer's behavior in response to the distribution of the advertising medium according to the contract made in S100.

[0132] In S22, the processor 212 of the server device 200 performs machine learning using the promotion information table and consumer information table stored and accumulated in the processing of S206. Details of the processing of S22 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5D. This machine learning is performed using a neural network with or without training data. The purpose of this machine learning is to determine the optimal delivery method information G, target information H, distribution location information I, and time information K to induce consumers to perform the most actions.

[0133] Fig. 5D is a diagram illustrating the details of the process of S22 shown in Fig. 5C. In S220 shown in Fig. 5D, the processor 212 of the server device 200 refers to all rows in the promotion information table (Fig. 4A) that include promotion identification information W other than the promotion identification information W corresponding to the announcement information C that was most recently published in an advertising medium and distributed. The processor 212 acquires all of the provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K included in the referred rows as learning information.

[0134] In S222, the processor 212 of the server device 200 references rows in the consumer table (FIG. 4B) that contain the consumer identification information U of all consumers who were most recently distributed advertising media. The processor 212 aggregates the access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V contained in the behavior information O of all referenced rows and acquires this as evaluation information. Note that the number p of advertising media differs for each contract between the business operator and the distributor. Therefore, the access information R, usage information S, receipt information T, and coupon usage information V may each be appropriately normalized based on the number p of distributed advertising media to prevent the number p of distributed advertising media from affecting the trained analysis model.

[0135] In S224, the processor 212 of the server device 200 labels the learning information acquired in the process of S222 based on the evaluation information acquired in the process of S224. The processor 212 generates label information as a result of this labeling.

[0136] In S226, the processor 212 of the server device 200 performs machine learning using the training information acquired in the processing of S222 and labeled with the evaluation information in the processing of S224. The processor 212 performs this machine learning using, for example, a neural network including multiple stages of neurons. More specifically, the processor 212 first inputs the provision method information G, target information H, distribution location information I, and time information K acquired in the processing of S200 into the neural network. Furthermore, the processor 212 adjusts the parameters of each neuron so that the output of the neural network is the same as the evaluation information acquired in the processing of S224. Machine learning is realized by these processes.

[0137] In S228, the processor 212 of the server device 200 acquires the neural network used for machine learning in the processing of S226 and the parameters of each neuron as a trained analysis model. As described above, the processor 212 uses the acquired trained analysis model to analyze and optimize the provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K for distributing advertising media. Note that while the case where the trained analysis model is generated by the processor 212 has been described here, the processing related to this generation may be performed by a processor of another server device or another terminal device. Furthermore, the trained analysis model generated as described above may be used by a processor of another server device or another terminal device.

[0138] In S230 shown in Fig. 5C, weighting of connections between nodes included in multiple layers of the neural network is performed by the machine learning in S22. Processor 212 of server device 200 uses the neural network after the machine learning in the process of S22 as a trained analytical model in the process of S106 shown in Fig. 5A. Processor 212 of server device 200 performs the process of S106 shown in Fig. 5A based on this trained analytical model.

[0139] 6. Processing of the Server Device 200 The following describes the processing of server device 200. First, with reference to Figures 6A to 6D, the processing of server device 200 corresponding to the processing of S100 to S124 shown in Figure 5A will be described. In the description of the processing of server device 200, processor 212 of server device 200 will be simply referred to as processor 212.

[0140] Fig. 6A is a first flowchart showing the processing of the server device 200 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. In S400 shown in Fig. 6A, the processor 212 of the server device 200 determines whether or not a request for distribution to consumers of advertising media has been made from the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. If a request has been made (Y), the server device 200 proceeds to the processing of S402, and if no request has been made (N), the server device 200 remains in the processing of S400.

[0141] In S402, the processor 212 concludes a contract for the distribution of advertising media and coupon information with the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 stores the contents of this contract in the memory 213. As described above, the processes of S200 and S202 may be carried out between the business operator and the distributor without going through the server device 200 and the business operator device 300.

[0142] In the process of S404, the processor 212 determines whether or not all of the initial information, such as the promotion identification information W, included in one row of the promotion information table (FIG. 4A) has been received from the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. If the processor 212 has not received this information (N), it remains in the process of S404, and if the processor 212 has received this information (Y), it proceeds to the process of S406.

[0143] In S406, the processor 212 analyzes and optimizes the provision method information G, target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K received in the processing of S404 based on the learned analysis model generated in the processing of S22 in Figures 5C and 5D.

[0144] In S408 , the processor 212 transmits the optimized providing method information G, the target information H, the distribution destination location information I, and the time information K to the business entity device 300 via the communication interface 214 .

[0145] In S410, the processor 212 determines whether or not approval information has been received from the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. If approval information has been received (Y), the processor 212 proceeds to the processing of S412, and if approval information has not been received, the processor 212 remains in the processing of S410 (N).

[0146] In S412, the processor 212 transmits information indicating the recording medium on which the information is stored and which is to be attached to the advertising medium to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214. The processor 212 of the business operator device 300 receives the information indicating the recording medium from the server device 200 via the communication interface 214. The business operator produces the advertising medium with the recording medium attached, which is generated based on this information, and delivers it to the distributor.

[0147] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of an advertising medium with a recording medium attached. The business is, for example, a store that mainly sells food, such as a supermarket. In this case, the advertising medium includes advertisements for various foods, such as fruits, beverages, sweets, and fresh produce, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. Furthermore, a recording medium on which information such as a URL and promotion identification information W (FIG. 4A) is recorded is attached to the advertising medium, for example, in the form of a two-dimensional code.

[0148] In S414 shown in Fig. 6A, processor 212 determines whether or not the advertising medium as exemplified in Fig. 6B has been delivered by the business operator. If the advertising medium has been delivered (Y), processor 212 proceeds to the processing of S416, and if the advertising medium has not been delivered (N), processor 212 remains in the processing of S414.

[0149] In S416, the processor 212 performs processing for the distributor to distribute the advertising medium to consumers, for example, processing to generate information such as a list of consumers to whom the advertising medium will be distributed. As described above, the advertising medium is distributed to consumers by the distributor posting, etc.

[0150] In S418, the distributor distributes the advertising media delivered in the process of S414 to consumers by posting using the information generated in the process of S416.

[0151] Next, with reference to Fig. 6C, the processing of server device 200 corresponding to the processing of S142 to S184 shown in Fig. 5B will be described. Fig. 6C is a second flowchart showing the processing of server device 200 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0152] In S440 shown in Fig. 6C, the processor 212 determines whether or not information for accessing the portal site has been received from the consumer terminal device 100 of the consumer via the communication interface 214. If the information for accessing the portal site has been received (Y), the processor 212 proceeds to processing of S442, and if the information for access has not been received (N), the processor 212 remains in processing of S440.

[0153] In S442, the processor 212 transmits a message to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214 and the portal site, requesting the consumer's consent to the download and installation of the business application program.

[0154] In S444, the processor 212 of the server device 200 determines whether or not a message permitting the download and installation of the business application program has been received from the consumer terminal device 100 via the portal site and the communication interface 214. If the processor 212 has received a message permitting the download and installation of the business application program (Y), the processor 212 proceeds to the processing of S446, and if the processor 212 has not received a message permitting the download and installation of the business application program (N), the processor 212 remains in the processing of S444.

[0155] In S446, the processor 212 of the server device 200 downloads the business application program to the consumer terminal device 100 that accessed the portal site in the processing of S440, via the communication interface 214 and the portal site. The downloaded business application program is launched in the consumer terminal device 100 and installed in the consumer terminal device 100 with the consumer's consent.

[0156] 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the consumer terminal device 100 and used to download a business application program. In the image shown in FIG. 6D, the business operator is shown as "ABC Store." The image shown in FIG. 6D also includes an image that reads "ABC Store App Download Page" and an operation button that reads "Start Download" to request permission from the consumer to download the business application program.

[0157] When there is an access, the processor 212 transmits an image such as that shown in Fig. 6D to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. Furthermore, the processor 212 determines whether or not information indicating that the consumer has operated the operation button shown in Fig. 6C has been received from the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. When the processor 212 receives this information (Y), it downloads the business application program to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214, installs it, and executes it.

[0158] 6C, the processor 212 receives the personal information registered by the consumer for the UI image of the business application program started on the consumer terminal device 100 via the portal site and the communication interface 214. The processor 212 uses the received personal information to update the attribute information P in the consumer table (FIG. 4B), and stores and registers it in the memory 213.

[0159] In S450, the processor 212 transmits the coupon indicated by the coupon information F (FIG. 4A) together with the promotion identification information W to the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214 and the portal site.

[0160] In S452, the processor 212 determines whether or not an image of a receipt uploaded by the consumer and indicating that the consumer has used the business's services has been received from the consumer terminal device 100, along with the promotion identification information W, via the portal site and the communication interface 214. If the image of the receipt has been received (Y), the communication interface 214 proceeds to processing S454, and if not (N), the processor 212 remains in processing S452.

[0161] In S454, the processor 212 transmits the image of the receipt and the coupon to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214.

[0162] In S456, the processor 212 acts as an agent for the business to provide cash back to the user who has sent the image of the receipt or the like via the communication interface 214 and the portal site.

[0163] In S458, the processor 212 bills the business operator's business device 300 of the business for the amount of cash back given to the user and a fee for the cash back agency via the communication interface 214. When the business operator's device 300 responds to this bill, the processor 212 performs processing for settling the amount of cash back given to the consumer, etc., with the business operator's device 300 via the communication interface 214, via a financial institution or the like.

[0164] Next, with reference to Fig. 6E, the processing of server device 200 corresponding to S200 to S206, S22, and S230 shown in Fig. 5C will be described. Fig. 6E is a third flowchart showing the processing of server device 200 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0165] 6E, in S480, processor 212 determines whether the distribution period of the advertising medium specified in the contract between the business operator and the distributor has ended. If the distribution period of the advertising medium has ended (Y), processor 212 proceeds to processing S482, and if not (N), processor 212 remains in processing S480.

[0166] In S482, the processor 212 generates behavior summary information L, effect information M, and performance information N.

[0167] In S484, the processor 212 calculates the amount of compensation for the distribution of the advertising media to be charged to the business operator by the distributor based on at least one of the information generated in the processing of S262, namely, the behavioral summary information L, the effectiveness information M, and the performance information N. Furthermore, the processor 212 transmits at least one of the behavioral summary information L, the effectiveness information M, and the performance information N used in calculating the amount of compensation to the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214.

[0168] In S486, the processor 212 requests payment of the amount calculated in the processing of S484 from the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214.

[0169] In S488, processor 212 determines whether the fee claimed in the processing of S286 has been paid. If the fee has been paid (Y), processor 212 proceeds to processing of S490, and if not, processor 212 remains in processing of S488.

[0170] In S490, the processor 212 settles the transaction with the business operator device 300 via the communication interface 214, and receives payment of the amount claimed in the processing of S266 via a financial institution, etc. As mentioned above, the processing of S266 and S268 may be performed between the business operator and the distributor, without going through the server device 200 and the business operator device 300.

[0171] In S492, the processor 212 performs machine learning by the process of S22 shown in Figures 5C and 5D using the accumulated promotion information table and consumer information table. By machine learning, the provision method information G, target information H, distribution location information I, and time information K are analyzed, and a trained analysis model is generated that optimizes this information so as to maximize the behavior of the consumer indicated by the behavior information O.

[0172] In S494, processor 212 sets the neural network for which machine learning has been completed in the processing of S492 as a trained analysis model.

[0173] 7. Variations A modified example of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this modified example, in addition to distributing advertising media, the distributor also uses server device 200 to mediate transactions between businesses and consumers via a portal site. Figure 7A is a communication sequence diagram for the modified example in which the distributor distributes advertising media and also mediates transactions between businesses and consumers.

[0174] The communication sequence shown in Fig. 7A corresponds to the processing of S160 to S164 of the communication sequence shown in Fig. 5B, and the processing of S140 to S148 and S180 to S186 shown in Fig. 5B is omitted in Fig. 7A. Furthermore, when a distributor acts on behalf of a business operator, the contract between the business operator and the distributor includes the distributor acting on behalf of the business operator and the business operator paying a fee to the distributor for this acting on behalf of the business operator.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 7A, in S240 and S242, the consumer performs an operation on the consumer terminal device 100 to use the business's services using the coupon indicated by the coupon information F. The consumer terminal device 100 accepts this operation via the touch panel 117 and the input interface 116. The processor 112 transmits information indicating this operation to the server device 200 via the communication interface 114 and the portal site, together with the promotion identification information W. The processor 212 of the server device 200 receives this information via the communication interface 214.

[0176] In S244 and S246, the processor 212 of the server device 200 transmits, via the communication interface 214 and the portal site, information indicating that the use of the business indicated by the information received in the processing of S180 and S182 has been accepted.

[0177] In S248 and S250, the processor 212 of the server device 200 and the processor 112 of the consumer terminal device 100 communicate with each other via the communication interface 214 and the portal site. Through this communication, a settlement is made from the consumer to the distributor for the fee for using the business of the business indicated by the information received in the processing of S240 and S242 via a financial institution (not shown) or the like.

[0178] In S252, the processor 212 performs processing for the consumer's use of the business's services. For example, when a consumer purchases a product from a business, this processing is performed so that a distributor can ship the product to the consumer on behalf of the business. Note that in this case, the distributor must stock the business's product for shipping or order it from the business.

[0179] In S254, the processor 212 of the server device 200 and the processor 212 of the business operator device 300 communicate with each other via the communication interface 214. Through this communication, the distributor pays the business operator the compensation it has received for providing services to the consumer on its behalf, and the business operator pays the distributor a commission via a financial institution or the like.

[0180] Next, with reference to Fig. 7B, the processing of server device 200 corresponding to the communication sequence shown in Fig. 7A will be described. Fig. 7B is a flowchart showing the processing of server device 200 corresponding to the communication sequence shown in Fig. 7A. At S500 shown in Fig. 7B, processor 212 of server device 200 performs processing to enable consumers to use the business of the business operator.

[0181] In S502, the processor 212 determines whether or not information indicating that the consumer will use the business operator's services has been received from the consumer terminal device 100 via the communication interface 214. If the processor 212 has received this information (Y), it sends information indicating that it has accepted the consumer's request to use the business operator's services and proceeds to the processing of S504, but if it has not received this information (N), it remains in the processing of S502.

[0182] In S504, the processor 212 and the consumer terminal device 100 communicate via the communication interface 214. Through this communication, the processor 212 bills the consumer for the business's service accepted in the processing of S286 via the communication interface 214 and the consumer terminal device 100. In response to this bill, the processor 212 determines whether or not payment for the use of the service has been made from the consumer terminal device 100 via a financial institution or the like. If payment has been made (Y), the processor 212 proceeds to the processing of S506, and if not (N), the processor 212 remains in the processing of S504.

[0183] In S506, the processor 212 performs processing to allow the consumer to use the business of the business.

[0184] In S508, the processor 212 communicates with the server device 200 via the communication interface 214. Through this communication, the distributor pays the business operator the compensation it receives for providing services to the consumer on its behalf, and the business operator pays the distributor a commission fee via a financial institution (not shown) or the like.

[0185] In S510, processor 212 determines whether the settlement performed in the processing of S508 has been completed. If the settlement has been completed (Y), processor 212 ends the processing, and if it has not been completed, processor 212 remains in the processing of S510.

[0186] While the above describes an example in which a consumer uses a dedicated application program to access the services of a business operator, such as to receive a special offer, a dedicated application program is not required. Therefore, a consumer may use a general-purpose application program, such as a browser, to receive a special offer. Furthermore, by repeating the processes of S148 to S186 shown in FIG. 5A for multiple consumers, the server device 200 can realize a platform for multiple consumers to jointly purchase products, etc., offered by a business operator.

[0187] In such a platform, for example, a consumer receives advertising media bearing a two-dimensional code from a business. The consumer then reads the two-dimensional code using the consumer terminal device 100, accesses a website where notification information C contained in promotion information B is available, or obtains an application program. If the consumer then purchases a product or takes other action based on the notification information C contained in promotion information B, a special benefit is provided to the consumer in accordance with that action. Furthermore, for subsequent purchases, in addition to the promotion information B being provided via the two-dimensional code as described above, the notification information C contained in promotion information B is also provided to the consumer via a website or application program. If the consumer then further purchases a product or takes other action based on the notification information C contained in the provided promotion information B, a special benefit is also provided to the consumer.

[0188] Specifically, the processor 212 of the server device 200 executes a process of selecting consumers to whom the announcement information C included in the promotion information B is to be provided at predetermined intervals. The processor 212 references consumer attributes stored in the memory 213. The processor 212 selects consumers with corresponding attributes based on, for example, candidate information received from the business operator device 300 of the business operator. The candidate information includes at least one of the consumer attributes and the number of consumers to select for provision of the announcement information C included in the promotion information B. The processor 212 makes the selection by inputting the received candidate information into a learned recipient selection model. That is, the processor 212 inputs the candidate information received from the business operator device 300 into the learned recipient selection model, and acquires the number of consumers determined by the candidate information as recipients based on the learned recipient selection model.

[0189] Here, the destination selection model is generated by the processor 212 of the server device 200 or a processor of another device. Specifically, information on the attributes of consumers to whom the notification information C included in the promotion information B has been provided is obtained in advance. Then, label information is attached to the information based on behavioral information indicating whether each consumer has taken action based on the notification information C included in the promotion information B. Then, the processor performs machine learning using the obtained consumer attributes as input information and the label information as training data. This generates a trained destination generation model.

[0190] When the notification information C included in the promotion information B is selected as described above, the processor 212 transmits the notification information C included in the promotion information B to the consumer terminal device 100 of the selected consumer via the communication network. The consumer terminal device 100, which has received the notification information C included in the promotion information B, outputs a notification to the display 111 or the like via a business application program or the like that the notification information C included in the promotion information B has been received. Thereafter, the amount of compensation is calculated and the benefit is provided by processing similar to that described in S126 and the like in Figure 5.

[0191] As described above, according to the system 1 of the embodiment, advertising media are distributed to consumers along with a recording medium storing the URL of a portal site, etc. Therefore, based on the number of consumers who access the portal site using this recording medium, etc., the distributor can clearly prove to the business operator that the advertising media was distributed in good faith in accordance with the contract between the business operator and the distributor, and the effectiveness of the distribution of the advertising media. This increases the distributor's credibility, and the distributor can charge the business operator a fee for distributing the advertising media based on the track record of good faith distribution of the advertising media and the effectiveness of the distribution of the advertising media.

[0192] Furthermore, consumers can access the business's portal site from the recording medium attached to the advertising medium, obtain coupons from the portal site along with promotion identification information W, and receive special benefits when using the business's services. Businesses can also encourage consumers to use their services by attaching recording media to advertising media, directing consumers to their portal site, and providing special benefits. Distributors can also act on behalf of businesses to provide special benefits to consumers, and can even perform part of the business's operations, further increasing opportunities to earn commission income from businesses.

[0193] Furthermore, each time the announcement information C included in the promotion information B is delivered or distributed to a consumer, the trained analysis model obtained by machine learning using the promotion information table and consumer table accumulated in the past is updated. Therefore, the distributor can always optimize the target information H, distribution destination location information I, and time information K and provide them to the business. Therefore, the business can always send the announcement information C included in the promotion information B to the optimal delivery or distribution destination, maximizing the effect of increasing sales through advertising.

[0194] In the above, the specific example was that the notice information C included in the promotion information B is advertising information published on paper media, and the notice information C included in the promotion information B is published on paper media and distributed to consumers. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the notice information C included in the promotion information B can be distributed to the consumer terminal device 100 used by the consumer via the communication network 14 as electronic information, without using a medium such as paper.

[0195] The processes and procedures according to the present disclosure may be realized not only by the devices explicitly described in the embodiments, but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described herein may be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, a magnetic disk, or optical storage. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers, including terminal devices and server devices.

[0196] Processes and procedures described herein as being performed by a single device, software, component, and / or module may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, various pieces of information described herein as being stored in a single memory and storage device may be stored in multiple memories included in a single device or in multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, the software and hardware described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

[0197] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and are also included in the scope of the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1 System, 14 Communication network, 100 Consumer terminal device, 111 Display, 112, 212 Processor, 113, 213 Memory, 114, 214 Communication interface, 115 Communication processing circuit, 116 Input interface, 117 Touch panel, 118 Camera, 200 Server device, 211 Output interface, 300 Business device

Claims

1. A server device including at least one processor, The at least one processor: generating first promotional information including an advertisement to be provided to the consumer and to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of a product and a service by the business; receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of the goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer; The system is configured to execute a process of analyzing the delivery destination or distribution destination of an advertising medium in which second promotion information including an advertisement for promoting the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business operator or a business operator different from the business operator is posted, using a trained analysis model showing the relationship between the first promotion information and the behavior information, obtained by performing machine learning using the first promotion information and the behavior information as learning information. Server device.

2. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the first promotion information includes a coupon for providing a benefit to the consumer.

3. 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the coupon is provided when the consumer accesses a predetermined website or when the consumer installs a predetermined application program.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the access destination of the predetermined website or the download destination of the predetermined application program is recorded on a recording medium attached to the advertising medium.

5. The server device described in claim 1, wherein the learned analysis model is obtained by machine learning the first promotion information labeled based on the behavioral information that is the result obtained by providing the first promotion information to the consumer.

6. The server device of claim 5, wherein the analysis using the learned analysis model is to predict the results that will be obtained by providing the second promotion information to the consumer when the second promotion information is input.

7. The server device of claim 1, wherein the first promotional information is provided based on at least one of location information indicating the locational range in which the first promotional information is provided, attribute information indicating the attributes of the consumer to whom the first promotional information is provided, and time information indicating the time range in which the first promotional information is provided.

8. A method performed by a computer including at least one processor by the at least one processor executing predetermined instructions, generating first promotional information including an advertisement to be provided to a consumer to promote an action of the consumer related to the provision of at least one of a product and a service by a business; receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of the goods and services taken by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer; a step of analyzing the delivery or distribution destination of advertising media in which second promotion information including advertisements for promoting consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business operator or a business operator other than the business operator is posted, using a trained analysis model showing the relationship between the first promotion information and the behavioral information, obtained by performing machine learning using the first promotion information and the behavioral information as learning information; A method comprising:

9. Computer, generating first promotional information including an advertisement to be provided to the consumer and to promote the consumer's behavior related to the provision of at least one of a product and a service by the business; receiving behavioral information indicating behavior related to the provision of at least one of the goods and services performed by the consumer based on the first promotional information received by the consumer; and functioning as a processor configured to execute a process of analyzing the delivery or distribution destination of advertising media in which second promotion information, including advertisements for promoting consumer behavior related to the provision of at least one of goods and services by the business operator or a business operator different from the business operator, is posted, using a trained analysis model showing the relationship between the first promotion information and the behavioral information, obtained by performing machine learning using the first promotion information and the behavioral information as learning information. program.

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